Cyclists were among those with a high risk of neck pain, according to a survey of about 4,500 British patients. The researchers attributed the increased risk to the posture used for cycling, repeated vibration, neck rotation and the use of neck extensor muscle groups. Others at risk of neck pain included persons 45 to 59 years of age, particularly those in poor general health and fitness and those who had previously suffered back pain or neck injury. 
[SOURCE: Joseph Varon, "When To Expect a Persistent Pain in the Neck," Internal Medicine Alert, October 15, 2004; J. Hill, et al, Spine, 2004;29:1648-1654]

Dealing with a Pain in the Neck
                                                                                               

At least 67 percent of American adults will have neck pain at some time in their lives, whether because of a whiplash injury, a muscle strain or sprain, degenerative arthritis or simply too many hours in front of a computer monitor. To get relief:

·      Rest: try to avoid quick movements and any position that hurts. When you lie down, support the curve of your neck with a rolled-up towel or special pillow and place a pillow under your knees to take the pressure off your back.

·      Ice and heat: ice is good to use immediately after an injury to reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat soothes the pain and reduces pain and stiffness.

·      Exercise: you'll be surprised how much better your neck will feel after a good workout. Exercise will help you relax, take your mind off the pain and prompt the body to release natural pain-killing substances such as endorphins. Specific exercises to strengthen, stretch and relax the neck may also be effective.

[SOURCE: "Oh, My Aching Neck," Harvard Women's Health Watch," November, 2004]

When Arthritis Is a Pain in the Neck

X-rays taken of men and women as young as age 40 often show signs of osteoarthritis of the neck. This is mainly due to age-related wear and tear, and the person may have no symptoms or only minor neck pain and stiffness that develops later. In about 10 percent of cases, on the other hand, arthritis of the neck is severe enough to impinge on nerves, causing symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, legs and feet, difficulty walking, lack of coordination and loss of bladder or bowel control.
    Be sure to see a doctor if you have neck pain that
•    gets worse,
•    doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medications or
•    is associated with numbness in your arms or legs.
[SOURCE: Mayo Clinic Staff, “Cervical spondylosis,” MayoClinic.com, , February 27, 2008]

Protect Neck After Traumatic Injury

Following any severe traumatic accident involving the neck or causing neck pain, the person should not be moved until a trained professional, such as a paramedic is available. This is to avoid further injury that could lead to paralysis. Immediate medical care is needed when there is radiating pain or numbness to the arms or legs or numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, with or without neck pain.
[SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “Neck Pain,” 2007]

What To Do for Minor Neck Pain

If you find yourself with a sore neck after spending too many hours sitting in front of a computer or behind the wheel of a car, try some self-help measures.
•    Take aspirin or an over-the-counter NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
•    Apply ice to the painful area for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that time or alternate hot and cold compresses. A hot shower or heating pad might provide some comfort.
•    Have someone gently massage the sore or painful area.
•    Gently stretch the neck muscles–up and down, side to side and from ear to ear.
•    Sleep on a firm mattress without a pillow or with a special neck pillow.  

In most cases, the pain will go away within a week. If it persists, see a doctor.
[SOURCE: “Medical Encyclopedia: Neck Pain,” MedlinePlus, updated April 29, 2008]

Exercise Good for Neck Pain

Physical therapists know that exercise is one of the best remedies for pain in the neck or back. A survey of 684 patients found that physical therapists were more likely than either physicians or chiropractors to write detailed exercise prescriptions for minor neck or back pain.
[SOURCE: Johns Hopkins Medical Letter, May, 2009]